Art from across the country

Craft splendour

Gandhi Shilpa Bazaar, an exhibition of handicraft, handloom and household articles, organised by the Office of the Development Commissioner (Handicrafts) was on show at BDA (CA) Ground, J P Nagar. 

The expo had more than 150 artisans showcase their wares right from traditional arts and crafts to contemporary designs.

There were stone carvings, palm leaf engraving and applique works from Orissa, carpets, durries, tribal jewellery and jute crafts from West Bengal, cane, bamboo and terracotta crafts from North Eastern States, miniature paintings, colourful embroidered shawls, pearl jewellery from Andhra Pradesh.

 There were also sandalwood, bronze and wood carvings, Kora grass mats from Tamil Nadu, rosewood carvings and fibre based crafts from Kerala, Zari, Chanderi sarees, Phulkari and Madhubani paintings and many more.

 Chandana Aich from West Bengal had beautiful salwar suits, shawls and sarees  with traditional Nakshi Kantha work on them.

“I specialise in Nakshi Kantha which is the traditional embroidery of Bengal. I have woven about 70-80 designs, each one unique,” she explains.

 Kalyan Das from Uttar Pradesh had metal artifacts which showcased his creativity.
“Most of my creations are inspired by God and divinity. I am overjoyed by the response I have received here in the City," he opined.

Dileep Kothari from Rajasthan had  some interesting velvet paintings that glowed in darkness. Most artisans were pleased that the exhibition linked them directly to the public.